Charles N. Fratianni

March 31, 1951 - December 29, 2020

Charles Nicholas Fratianni, a good man, a loving, loyal husband, a beloved father and grandfather, and a kind and caring friend sadly and unexpectedly died on December 29, 2020. He was born in Amsterdam on March 31, 1951 a son of Charles and Amy Burtt Fratianni and was a lifelong area resident. Merely by chance, in October 1972 at the Cobleskill college music department, good fortune brought Chuck into Cindy’s life. She thought he was smoking hot and as luck would have it, he was the bass guitarist/lead singer in a rock and roll band. It was “love at first sight” and on a beautiful summer day on July 14, 1973, Chuck and Cindy were married. Neither had a job at that time, but they had each other and that was all they needed. For their first big adventure (one of many), they drove the scenic US1 coastal route to Florida, stopping at every state marker to document the trip. They boarded the Rehoboth Beach Ferry, drove through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-tunnel, and when they finally arrived in Florida, Cindy stepped into the ocean for the first time. Their honeymoon lasted nearly two months as they traveled the entire state of Florida. When the money ran out, Chuck and Cindy returned home to Vail Mills. In 1987, they were fortunate and grateful to be able to purchase a home on the south end of the Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield, NY. Life doesn’t get much better than being able to live each day looking at a beautiful sparkling lake surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. In 1976, Chuck started his business, the Fratianni Auction Gallery, where he was the auctioneer and Cindy was his “Vanna White.” Chuck loved the business and the people who came to the auctions, many who became lifelong, dear friends. Chuck felt blessed and proud to be a father to three daughters. In June 1971, Ericka was born to Chuck and Diane Russo. Although, Ericka was thousands of miles away, they remained close, and Chuck looked forward to her visits each year. In January 1981, Chuck and Cindy joyfully welcomed Lynda Danielle in their lives. He could hardly sleep when she came home as he was so worried something might happen to her and he incessantly watched over her. Chuck taught Lynda to play softball, to bowl, to drive a car, boat, and jet ski. Most importantly, he demonstrated what a good father and husband should be. Lynda followed her Dad’s example when she married the love of her life, Erik Winchell. With the birth of Allison Amy in March 1986, the family was complete. Chuck was the same doting father to Allison, watching over and listening for her every breath. He taught Allison to swim and fish, to ride a bike and drive a jet ski, and to water ski. His witty sense of humor was passed to her and is one of her greatest attributes. Chuck’s love for “his” girls was immeasurable and he would do anything for them. Chuck adored his six grandchildren; Aliyah “BoBee”, Noah “No-Shant”, Madalyn “Swiss Miss”, Carmine “Carmel Corn”, Carly “Carlsbad”, and Quincy “Spider-Man” and occasionally, “Nator”. As you can see, Chuck had nicknames for his grandchildren and they had a special one for him- so special that he became known to all as PIE. How fitting, since everyone loves “PIE”. In addition to his immediate family, Chuck leaves many dear brother- and sister-in laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and neighbors. His loss is immense and sad for all that the good fortune to know him. He was a good friend to all. If more people were like Chuck, the world would surely be a better place. Chuck had a great appreciation and love for cars. He was the proud owner of a 65 Ford Mustang fastback, many Corvettes, GTO’s, MG’s, and a 69 Jaguar. He loved and respected all living creatures, especially the family pets; cats-Lizard, Pink, Bob, and Stub, and dogs- Chlo-berry and Bella. Chuck loved sports, especially baseball. He loved it so much that for Cindy’s 24th birthday, he took her to Fenway Park for a Red Sox double header. Cindy sat in the stadium wondering when the first touchdown would be scored. Most of all, Chuck LOVED music, and his favorite band was the Beatles. In 2010, he was thrilled to see Paul McCartney in concert in Miami with Cindy and Aliyah, and again in 2011 at Yankee Stadium. In 2018, his Father’s Day gift from Lynda was tickets to see Ringo Starr and his All-Star band. Chuck had Sirius radio so as to listen exclusively to Beatles music. One of his favorite songs was “Golden Slumbers”, so when you hear it, or any Beatles song, turn it up loud and think of Chuck. GOLDEN SLUMBERS “Once there was a way to get back homeward Once there was a way to get back home Sleep pretty darling, do not cry And I will sing a lullaby Golden slumbers fill your eyes Smiles await you when you rise Sleep pretty darling, do not cry And I will sing a lullaby” Written by Paul McCartney The Fratianni family would like to sincerely thank the Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department, GAVAC, EMTs Zakk Yager and Michelle Ford, and the staff at Nathan Littauer ER. Everyone who cared for Chuck treated him like he was family. There will be a celebration of Chuck’s life at a later date. Arrangements are by the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc., Johnstown.